Forums > Kitesurfing   Newbies / Tips & Tricks

Converting to a surfboard

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Created by Sparky394 > 9 months ago, 20 Nov 2017
Sparky394
QLD, 54 posts
20 Nov 2017 12:55PM
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Hi,
I'm looking at purchasing my first surfboard purely for kitesurfing. I've been riding a old PU board i picked up at a garage sale but now potentially want to get a proper board.
The one thing i am not sure of is the size/volume that i should look at using. Surfing as a guide i use 30-32 litre board.
Understand kitesurfing it's unlikely i would need that sort of volume.

Does anyone have any sort of guide on what to look for in size?
I'm 180cm and 80kgs.

toppleover
QLD, 2033 posts
20 Nov 2017 8:23PM
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You can ride any size board, all depends on your skill/weight & the amount wind/kite size you have.

Sparky394
QLD, 54 posts
22 Nov 2017 8:28PM
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Thanks for that. I just wasn't sure if there might be some sort of rule of thumb.
cheers

littlewing
QLD, 151 posts
23 Nov 2017 9:03AM
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i think it is more based on surface area than volume for kiting but some would probably argue against that. If you are looking for a light wind small waves type board go a short wide shape like a nugget, pickle etc. You can go a fair bit less volume than your reg surfboard as you dont need to paddle it in to the waves. otherwise get an all round shape. There are normally only 1 or 2 sizes in kitesurf surfboards so go a bigger one if you want more planning /smaller wave conditions or a smaller size if you like to ride more powered in bigger surf

toppleover
QLD, 2033 posts
23 Nov 2017 6:43PM
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There's so many boards out there, if your buying new & price is not an issue - have a look at the FireWire Evo or Vader. They are strappless only boards but their stable enough to learn on & pretty much cutting-edge design wise atm, so you won't outgrow it too quickly.

Sparky394
QLD, 54 posts
24 Nov 2017 10:33AM
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Awesome, thanks again. Appreciate what you are both saying.
I'll be looking for a 2nd hand. but understand what you are saying.
I had a evo for a surfboard which i did really enjoy.

toppleover
QLD, 2033 posts
25 Nov 2017 9:24AM
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Select to expand quote
Sparky394 said..
Awesome, thanks again. Appreciate what you are both saying.
I'll be looking for a 2nd hand. but understand what you are saying.
I had a evo for a surfboard which i did really enjoy.


If your light enough, grab the 5'3 Evo so you can kite + surf it

NorthernKitesAUS
QLD, 1061 posts
27 Nov 2017 9:55AM
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I am transitioning to a surfboard myself, but it's bloody hard to get up on your feet especially without a footstrap!
But once you've mastered it, I've heard people say you never go back or rarely. The freedom with a true surfing board is amazing, and you get going in winds that are too low for a normal twin-tip board. So hats off to you sir! Let us know how you go. ps. Any surfboard is ok... just keep it under 6'5" is the general rule of thumb.

jamesperth
WA, 610 posts
29 Nov 2017 1:06PM
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I'm 180cm /87kgs or 6" tall and started off with a 6'1. Now riding a 5'10 which seems too big - I have my eye on one of the Fone mitu boards in a 5'6.

Strapless is really quite straightforward and not hard. Plus you need to be able to move fwd in order to ride upwind properly so I would really encourage anyone to try the strapless SB over strapped.

Frayed Knot
WA, 20 posts
16 Dec 2017 7:38PM
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Hey, I recently made the switch from twin tip to strapless surfboard. I'm 85kg, 178cm tall

I got a 2018 North Whip 5'2" which is 23.5L and typically use it with a 8m kite from 21- 26kt and I can head straight back out on my twin tip with my 10m kite in the same conditions.

Dimensions are 5'2" X 18 1/2" X 2 3/16"23.5L
The outline of the board and amount of rocker are also a consideration.Hope that helps.

KIT33R
NSW, 1714 posts
4 Feb 2018 11:12AM
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Shinnster. My light wind board and super fun in small surf. Indestructible and you will be riding a kite 2 sqm smaller than when on a TT.



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"Converting to a surfboard" started by Sparky394